[BaseM3]

Has anyone tried to claim pitting/oxidation on the headlights under factory warranty and been successful?
I just bought my wife a 2011 328i, 37K miles with the remaining full warranty until Oct. 2015.
The headlights are severly pitted only where the daytime running lights shine through the polycarbonate lens. It appears the heat from the bulb softened the area just in front of it causing accelerated damage to the lens. The other areas on the lights are perfect.
Upon receipt of the car the dealer "polished" the lenses with their Auto Armor ECP light shine product that they try to sell you when you purchase the car.
The headlights look somewhat better but there is still obvious pitting.
I asked them if the lenses are covered under warranty, and they said no! It's obvious that the lamp heat caused the problem.
So if you drive with the daytime running lights on continually for safety you can expect your headlights to develop pits and oxidation?
What options do I have?

[Taran.J]

Well legally you cannot drive with oxidized lenses safely on public roads. Therefore taking your case to BMW NA should help more than your dealer on account that it isn't a "wear and tear" item with a steering wheel or leather seat. It's a manufactures defect on a low milage vehicle.

[BaseM3]

Originally Posted by Taran.J

Well legally you cannot drive with oxidized lenses safely on public roads. Therefore taking your case to BMW NA should help more than your dealer on account that it isn't a "wear and tear" item with a steering wheel or leather seat. It's a manufactures defect on a low milage vehicle.

That's what my argument is. What is the formal way to raise a complaint with BMW NA?

[John 070]

They would be covered b2b but not by an extended warranty. Likely the dealer is "afraid" BMW won't reimburse them so they went the Armorall route, which is actually pretty stupid.

[ken1137]

Here you go...they will need to replace the entire headlight assembly which is why the dealer said "No". Call BMWNA as mentioned...

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/ContactUs/

[Taran.J]

Originally Posted by BaseM3

That's what my argument is. What is the formal way to raise a complaint with BMW NA?

Find contact info online and call them. I wouldn't leave an email as they may be passed over occasionally...

[BaseM3]

Originally Posted by Taran.J

Find contact info online and call them. I wouldn't leave an email as they may be passed over occasionally...

Thanks everyone for your recommendation. I will contact them and report the results.

[tmdals0213]

Originally Posted by BaseM3

Thanks everyone for your recommendation. I will contact them and report the results.

subscribed! please let us know what you ended up doing & happened. My 2013 has some hazing on the inside..

[firecapt]

I had very scratched headlights that came with my 2011 X5, I got the X5 CPO from Chapman BMW in Phx and they never said anything about the scratches and I never saw them.
I took it to BMW of Tucson and they kinda bitched and moaned about it but in the end they replaced both entire units under warranty.



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[BaseM3]

Originally Posted by tmdals0213

subscribed! please let us know what you ended up doing & happened. My 2013 has some hazing on the inside..

SA called me yesterday and has gotten the OK to replace both front headlights!

[BmerMeUp]

Originally Posted by BaseM3

SA called me yesterday and has gotten the OK to replace both front headlights!

holy sheit!

I couldn't get Honda to even answer the phone for failed-to-the-metal rear brake pads on a 2012 CRV with 42k / 26mi on it, despite a class action on the Accord for the exact same thing. (and no, it wasn't the parking brake. ha.)

You call BMW, get a $2500 repair for free.

Congrats!

[parabola]

Turn off the daytime running lights after they put new lenses.

[tmdals0213]

Originally Posted by BaseM3

SA called me yesterday and has gotten the OK to replace both front headlights!

that's awesome!! mine are so nasty looking and it's only a year old. I hope I can get the same response as you!!

[BaseM3]

Originally Posted by BmerMeUp

holy sheit!

I couldn't get Honda to even answer the phone for failed-to-the-metal rear brake pads on a 2012 CRV with 42k / 26mi on it, despite a class action on the Accord for the exact same thing. (and no, it wasn't the parking brake. ha.)

You call BMW, get a $2500 repair for free.

Congrats!

I don't know it it helps in every case but here are few pointers i've learned over the 35 years I've owned BMW's:

1) If you get placed with a "new trainee" SA, fake a phone call, RUN! and come back another time.

2) Be civil with your SA and build rapport with them. Let them know you are an enthusiast and are a loyal costumer. They will work with you better.

3) Don't demand to repair something that is questionable, ask politely. If they refuse the first time, have them request authorization from the corporate warranty manager. They visit the dealers on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to review specific issues. All dealer warranty repairs are reimbursed by BMW but questionable and expensive ones must get corporate approval.

4) Shop the dealers. I'm fortunate to have 2 within reasonable distances. They compete with each other. The smaller one will work with you more reasonably. And as a benefit, you'll get better appointment times and less waiting! Remember "We Try Harder".

5) if you are not satisfied with the outcome call BMW NA and ask them the next step.

5) VERY IMPORTANT! Find out your SA's favorite beverage and remember it during the holidays....

BMW want's your loyalty believe it or not. I think they believe in quality over quality.

[tmdals0213]

Originally Posted by BaseM3

BMW want's your loyalty believe it or not. I think they believe in quality over quality.

quality ^2?

[BmerMeUp]

Originally Posted by BaseM3

... BMW want's your loyalty believe it or not. I think they believe in quality over quality.

Actually, quality^2 would be quality x quality.
I think what he said was quality OVER quality, so quality ÷ quality = 1.

They want you to be "1" with your car?

[BaseM3]

Originally Posted by BmerMeUp

Actually, quality^2 would be quality x quality.
I think what he said was quality OVER quality, so quality ÷ quality = 1.

They want you to be "1" with your car?

Quality over quantity. I guess you guys never made a mistake in your posts?
U know what I meant.

[BmerMeUp]

Originally Posted by BaseM3

Quality over quantity. I guess you guys never made a mistake in your posts?
U know what I meant.

Aw, no worries, mate - we're just ribbing you.
Laughing WITH you not at you.
Made PUHLENTY of my own mistakes in my time...

[335idle]

Photo of issue please.

[DASHOCKER]

buy a bottle of meguires lens cleaner and protect from future damage

[E91toG05]

Dealer replaced my side markers for clouding under factory warranty without question.

[BaseM3]

Originally Posted by eitingon

Dealer replaced my side markers for clouding under factory warranty without question.

That will be next but I've been able to bring them back to clear with a little plastic polish.